Angelica
Angelica
arguta, genufluxa, lucida
MEDICINAL USES:
Traditional herbal manuals
recommend Angelica as a carminative, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, diuretic and
diaphoretic. The seeds are useful
for acid indigestion and for nausea, as are the roots, though the seeds are
better. The root is more effective
as an antispasmodic. It is
effective in reducing the symptoms of asthma, though you may need a number of
doses over several hours. In larger
doses, it stimulates sweating and other immune functions, and may be used at the
onset of viral infections.
The root is excellent
for the intestinal cramps and for PMS cramping (especially where the two seem to
be related) as well as for the flatulence and gas that can accompany lower
intestinal tract upset. Dong Kwai
of Chinese Herbal Medicine is an angelica preparation from Chinese varieties and
is used to help regulate menstruation and as a general feminine tonic. We now
know that many European and North American varieties of Angelica also have the
same properties, including Kneeling Angelica and Sharptooth Angelica.
Each species has subtle differences, and we do not yet have enough
experience with all of them to be clear on these subtleties.
Angelica is high in
iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, niacin, magnesium and many
trace minerals. It also contains
many phytosterols that may have a role in balancing hormonal functioning.
It can be used to regulate menses and reduce excessive bleeding
and spotting,
relive uterine pain. While Angelica can be very helpful in the short term as an
antispasmodic in easing acute menstrual discomfort, it's effects as a tonic and
menstrual regulator are subtler and require regular use.
Males can also benefit from its influence on the genital and urinary
organs, especially its action as a urinary tract disinfectant.
It is not, however recommended for diabetics as it can cause an increase
of sugar to be excreted in the urine.
It has also been used,
apparently with some success to promote delayed menses or terminate an early
pregnancy. If menstruation is
less than 2 weeks overdue, it reported to be successful more than 50% of the
time. It is also used to
speed the release of the placenta after childbirth.
Dried and fresh roots of
Dong Qai have different effects, and presumably so do the other Angelicas.
Fresh and infused roots have more of a relaxing effect on the uterus than
do dried or tinctured ones as they retain more volatile oils.
Dosage for the tincture is
30-60 drops (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon), 4 times daily, or a tablespoon of the root,
well chopped, infused as a tea.
Do not use Angelica to treat heavy menstrual flows during menopause
(menopausal flooding) – it can actually make the problem worse – see
CAUTION section.